El Hondo fields – Greta Owen

Out on the usual route, the pallet road had two Buzzard, Hoopoe, Southern Grey Shrike, Greenfinch, Starlings and Black Redstart. Moving on the monastery road we saw the usual Little Owl sitting on the wall of the finca and a Kestrel on the wires above. We drove down the side of the monastery where there were more Buzzard, Shrike and Mr and Mrs Stonechat and a large flock of goats crossing.

At the Palm Farm Track the two fields were still flooded, with White Wagtail, Little Ringed Plover, Water Pipit, also a flock of Lapwings flying around and I was hoping they would pitch but they continued their flight over towards Vistabella road. Two Marsh Harriers were in the first field in Green Sandpiper alley but they soon took flight. We stopped by the ditch for our drink where there was another Buzzard on the pylon, just as I was about to take my drink a lovely female Kingfisher decided to land on a reed and allowed me to get a reasonable photo of her. A Green Sandpiper flew in and out of the canal. On the way back we saw several Kestrel sitting on top of telegraph poles.

Notices

Next field trip – Thursday 14th February – San Felipe Visitor Centre, El Rocio, Elche area

El Hondo North Gate opening times are – Saturday 8.30 – 11.30. You have to be there at 8.30 and you cannot leave until 11.30. To gain entry you need to telephone the staff on 966 678 515, or you can email them at – parque_elhondo@gva.es

The Visitor Centre Reserve at San Felipe is open at all times and the office there is open Tuesday to Friday 9am to 2pm, Saturday 12 noon to 2pm, Sunday and holidays 9 to 2pm.